From homeless hostel to Honours graduate

At the age of 16 Stephen Holmes was living in a homeless hostel in Newcastle, struggling to study in an almost impossible environment. Now, nine years later his life has been completely transformed. For Stephen is set to graduate from the University of Teesside with a BA (Hons) degree in Public Relations, and has stayed at the University to study for a higher qualification, a Masters degree in Marketing Management.

At his graduation from the University on Tuesday 23 November Stephen will also receive the Gravity Consulting Prize for most improved student on the Public Relations degree.

Stephen, 25, lives in Yarm and is originally from Hebburn, Tyne & Wear. His schooldays were turbulent, with truanting and parental rows. Aged 15, Stephen left home, moving into a bed and breakfast. Stephen said: “It was just before I sat my GCSEs, and I commuted from the B & B in South Shields to Hebburn. It was strange seeing all my friends still there, and really difficult as well.”

After Secondary School, Stephen enrolled on a GNVQ in Leisure and Tourism. By then he was living in a homeless hostel in central Newcastle, where he lived for the entire two year course. Stephen said: “I went for Leisure and Tourism as I just wanted to get away and travel, I thought it would be easier through a course. In the hostel I was with people of all ages, some hard people, and you’d sometimes be sleeping next to drug addicts. I just had to cut myself off from where I was and did a lot of my written work on the bus to and from college; it was so difficult to study.” Stephen left Newcastle to work as a Butlins Redcoat and then fulfilled his travel ambitions, working for holiday companies in France and Portugal. Stephen returned to the North-East and returned to study, enrolling on an Access to Business course at Middlesbrough College. Stephen said: “A careers advisor suggested the Public Relations degree at Teesside. At first I didn’t settle, I was really opinionated, liked all the attention and I’m sure the lecturers really hated me. Then I got a shock with my low second year marks, these motivated me to improve.

“I’m really chuffed to be awarded the most improved student award, it was a huge surprise. I’d really like to thank my lecturers Maria Hopwood and Rod Harradine, without their help and expertise the award is something I could have only wished for. And I’d also like to thank my grandma, Jenny Mullen, who’s always supported me and is coming to my graduation.”

Stephen will complete his Masters degree next summer. Maria Hopwood, Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) degree in Public Relations degree said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Stephen has won this award.  He thoroughly deserves this recognition of his commitment and motivation to his studies as he's a fantastic example of what you can achieve when you're determined to maximise every opportunity that comes your way.  Well done, Stephen, you're a real credit to yourself and our University."

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